40-Day Prayer Challenge // Day 14
“Devote yourself to prayer…praying at the same time for us” (Colossians 4:2-3).
Dennis Prager, radio talk show host and conservative commentator, learned a great lesson on prayer from his childhood rabbi. As a pre-teen student, attending his Yeshiva school, Prager was called upon to lead the class in prayer. He responded with, “I’m not in the mood.” His rabbi, a holocaust survivor, never suffered fools gladly. Stroking his beard, and looking into the distance, the rabbi confronted his young student, “Not in the mood. Not in the mood. Mr. Prager is not in the mood.” Following a prolonged, pregnant pause, the rabbi shouted back at his reluctant prayer warrior, “SO WHAT!” Prager prayed. He learned he could pray, even if he wasn’t in the mood. Prayer has mood-altering power. Good to know.
In Colossians 3, Paul appeared to be experiencing a disastrous interruption of his mission. But he didn’t waste his downtime. He devoted his time to prayer. Prayer transformed a disappointment into a divine appointment. Follow his lead.
The word devote means: to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor), attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
Dependence upon your unreliable moods and unstable emotions won’t increase your devotion to prayer. Devotion to prayer is sustained by your consistent companionship with Jesus, not your vain repetition of meaningless phrases.
Devoted prayer becomes answered prayer when you adhere to, wait upon, lean into, and place complete confidence in the person of Jesus Christ. He promised: “If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
Easter Challenge: Intercession doesn’t feel good because it is work. It is great work, because it is hard work. Do it anyway. Waiting for the right mood to strike you before you do hard work will always lead you to strike out in prayer. Nothing changes your mood faster than answered prayer. Pray for others, and ask them to pray for you.
Paul discovered a new level of freedom in prison by devoting himself to prayer. His body was shackled on earth, but his heart was free to communicate with his Father in Heaven. Paul interceded for others, and appealed to others to pray for him. Prayer didn’t prepare Paul for greater works – prayer is the greater work. Prayer transforms a place of incarceration and humiliation into a platform for intercession.
Prayer for the Day: O, Father, thank you for hearing my prayer, on behalf of my ONE. Empower me to share the gospel, and to invite them to church for Easter. Transform my believing prayer into answered prayer, in the name of Jesus. AMEN.
Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work. —Oswald Chambers